Need Advice on Buying Gear

[okiscub]

I would like to start purchasing my own diving gear (besides my mask, fins and goggles). Do you recommend checking out used gear on eBay? I was thinking that I could at least find a good deal on a wetsuit but wasn't sure on the other stuff.

 

[LobstaMan]

I would(and have) used a variety of sources to purchase scuba gear. For different reasons, I use different places such as your LDS, on line LDSs, on line suppliers and discounters(Leisure Pro), want ad style sites(craigslist), old fashioned classifieds, word of mouth, private parties, etc.

As an example, I purchased my 1st stage, 2nd stage and octo from my LDS because if you buy them used, I have heard that the warranty doesn't carry over. If it's new from an on line source like LeisurePro, I have heard that there won't be a warranty or at the very least you have to send it back to them for service or pay both parts and labor at the LDS. I don't know how true that is, but I avoided that all together by buying it at the LDS and I've been very happy with the purchase, product and service. But, don't believe me, check it out.

Just like making any big ticket purchase, do you homework and ask around(which you're already doing) before you plunk your money down. Read gear, brand, manufacturer and style reviews before you make your decision about what to buy. Scubaboard is a great place to start and you won't find a shortage of opinions here. Good luck.

LobstaMan

 

[Rusty65]

i got a used set of gear from a divestore and am happy so far

 

[johnnyseko]

I've heard the LAST thing you want to buy used is a wetsuit....I can think of one good reason...

For high priced items, just shop around. I got a backup reg from ebay, also got my first stage from my LDS. Dive computer from online LDS. Plenty of info on this site. Welcome to the board!

 

[KzooJason]

Personally I'd consider buying some items used (tanks, SMB, whistle, etc.) but I wouldn't buy the life-support equipment used. Beyond the potential lack of support from the manufacturer I'd be very concerned about trusting my life to equipment that I didn't know the history of. If it was equipment that my LDS had checked out and vouched for I'd probably be OK but buying off eBay would be a bit scary.

Great deals can be found online and at your LDS... I'll leave it at that to avoid a series of LDS vs. online shop posts. When you're talking to your LDS ask about package deals. Frequently they'll give you a discount if you're buying several pieces at once or if you're a student buying equipment for the first time.

Jason

 

[ProfessorAronnax]

Here's a great place to discover deals-and another great benefit of being a ScubaBoard Member! Click Here: The HOT DEALS Forum

 

[ScubaSarus]

If you do buy a regulator online, make sure a dive store checks it out. Some guy bought a brand new reg on the internet only to discover the chips from the mfg process were still in it and he had a nasty free flow at depth and caused an emergency accent.

Ref. Lessons for Life in Scuba Magazine.

 

[*Floater*]

Used can be fine, but there's a lot of crap gear out there so I'd recommend you search for the item name you are about to buy over here to see what people say about it, or ask for opinions and feedback if a search doesn't yield anything useful.

For wetsuits it's safer to try them on before you buy, and they do wear out over time and lose some of their effectiveness so just be careful if you buy used. www.scubal.com sells cheap wetsuits- check them just to compare with used wetsuit prices so you don't end up paying too much.

 

[DM2003]

Like many of the others have said. Try your LDS for used gear or end of the season clearance. Talk to the staff about your choices, do some research on line, figure out what you want to do and take it from there.

 

[brdr882]

many/most of the online discounters are not authorized dealers for most scuba equipment. This means that the factory will not warenty these items. Also if you are looking for used equipment check with your LDS first, many times they will have consiegnment items or be able to set you up with used equipment. This way you will know that the equipment is safe, if you do buy through ebay, criagslist, yardsale, etc make sure you get it inspecte before you dive it. One more thought from buying from your LDS: stores make very little selling air-fills, these wont keep them in business and your not going to get your fills from an online discounter. But most importantly make sure you know that the gear you buy is safe, its too crucial to your safety... dont cut corners to save a few bucks.